The word of the Lord came to Jonah, saying "Go to Nineveh and tell them of My ways, for its people are wicked."

Jonah did not want go to the people of Nineveh to preach them the word of the Lord. He did not want to become part of their evil ways.

I will run away, he thought. He gathered his belonging and set off to the sea port in Joppa.

"Good sir," said Jonah to the captain of the ship, "where is the ship going?"

"To Tarshish," was the answer.

"Where is Nineveh from Tarshish," wondered Jonah.

"It's in the other direction," said the captain.

I will run away.

"Could I go on the voyage with you?" asked Jonah, eager to get as far away from Nineveh as possible.

"Sure," answered the captain.

Jonah paid for the voyage and boarded the ship. He went to the bottom of the ship, certain that God would not see him there. But God is everywhere. Jonah rested in the ship, but while they were at sea, a great storm struck. Huge waves crashed into the ship. The ship was almost torn apart.

Jonah awoke from his nap to find the captain and his seamen struggling against the huge waves and the powerful winds.

May I go with you?

Sure.

"What is all the commotion," wondered Jonah. He thought about all he had done to run away from God.

"The gods must be angry with someone," said the captain, "so they sent this terrible storm to kill us."

They cast lots and it showed that Jonah was the reason for the terrible storm. Jonah admitted it and said, "It is true. I am a Hebrew and I serve the one and only God, and I did not listen to Him when He told me to go preach to the people of Nineveh, instead I ran away. Throw me overboard."

"No, Jonah, no way," insisted the captain, "I will not be responsible for anyone's death."

"Captain, it's the only way to save you all. Throw me overboard," said Jonah. The captain hesitated, but answered, "I will do what you wish."

The crew took Jonah and threw him overboard. Instantly, the storm stopped and God chose a very big fish to swallow Jonah.

"God," prayed Jonah in the fish's belly, "Forgive me for my iniquity."

Jonah prayed for there days in the fish's belly. On the third day, the fish spat Jonah out onto the dry land.

The Lord spoke to Jonah again saying that he should go to Nineveh to tell the people of their wicked ways so they may change.